The Hebrew meaning seems to be the determining factor in choosing to use Abimelech over Ahimelech. Yochanan saw verse 20 fulfilled in Yeshua (see John 19:36). Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Bread is an important symbol of life in Scripture (John 6:35), so it is not surprising to see the bread of the Presence, which was put before the life-giving Creator, reappear in several significant places in the Bible. 2:26, 27.) David had to escape for his life. 18) - Sarah begins as a young woman, and is even kidnapped by Pharaoh for her beauty (ch. Many aspects of the Christian Eucharist show that it was influenced by Israels shewbread. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Does Counterspell prevent from any further spells being cast on a given turn? The Philistines were also included in the dreaded and harsh prophecies read in Jeremiah chapter 47. | GotQuestions.org, What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? Todays passage is one such place, describing a time when David came to the tabernacle looking for something to eat and a weapon with which he could defend himself (1 Sam. When he changed his face before Abimelech, and he let him go, and he went away. Who wants a long life (evidence of Gods approval) to see good things? Sign up today! 15 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; 16 Zadok the son of Ahitub and Abimelech the son of Abiathar were the priests; Shavsha was the scribe; 17 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers at the king's side. 2:18, yet in Exodus 3:1, it is Jethro. Why did Jesus call Peter Satan in Matthew 16:23? When Abimelech (the Philistine king in the stories of Abraham and Isaac) could be substituted in the title of Ps. Phicol was the commander of Abimelechs army. This act, as reported by Doeg the Edomite, Saul viewed as treasonous; and by the hand of this idolatrous and malignant foreigner, he put Ahimelech and eighty-five other priests of Jehovah to death, 1 Samuel 22:1-23-a crime sufficient of itself to forfeit the throne and the favor of God. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. There are other verses where both LXX and MT say "Ahimelech". It means my father is king, and may be a title. Saul therefore summoned Ahimelech and angrily demanded to know why Ahimelech had given help to David, and why Ahimelech was conspiring with David against him. In a list of the heads of departments under David, a list belonging later than the middle of David's 40 years, and in which David's sons appear, this Ahimelech, the son of David's friend, is mentioned as sharing with Zadok a high position in the priesthood. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible . Think about this, breaching a covenant, primarily this covenant has altered the relationship between the children of Israel and the Philistines for generations. What can we learn from the story of the Levite and his concubine. Abimelech (63 Occurrences). O rei de Gate, mais conhecido como Acish . This exception could be deemed necessary to ensure Abiathar's correct ancestry is preserved somewhere in the narrative. Has 90% of ice around Antarctica disappeared in less than a decade? Abimelech hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy THE COVENANT BETWEEN ABRAHAM and ABIMELECH (3.) From that time to the middle of the reign of David the ark was in the custody of the men of Kiriath-jearim "in the hill," or "in Gibeah" (1 Samuel 7:1 2 Samuel 6:2, 3).As a general proposition Israel "sought not unto it" (1 Chronicles 13:3), though there is nothing to forbid the idea that it may, on occasion, have been brought out from its seclusion (1 Samuel 14:18). Why did //ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxi esther in danger.htm, The Antiquities of the Jews CHAPTER 12. This Abimelech is called Ahimelech in 1 Chronicles 24:6. DSS says Elimelech in Ruth 1:3 & 4:3 agreeing with MT, disagreeing with LXX. In contrast to the positive lead of his father, Abimelech focused on his own personal gain, hurting many in the process. In Exodus 2:18, Moses father-in-law is named Reuel; in Exodus 3:1, it is Jethro. Abraham approached Abimelech because of his servant's attacks and the loss of his well. compellingtruth.org/more-than-one-name.html, If you have any issues, please call the office at 385-246-1048 or email us at. Ahimelech protested that he had acted in innocence, since (as far as he had known) David had been on a mission from Saul (in addition to being Saul's own son-in-law (1 Samuel 18:22-27)). Does a summoned creature play immediately after being summoned by a ready action? According to Jewish works such as the Seder Olam Rabbah . Ahimelech has been identified with *Ahijah, son of Ahitub, who is also mentioned in the time of Saul and who acted . Genesis 20, 21. You never told me about this before today!, So Abraham and Abimelech made an agreement. Through faith, David built altars to the Lord and offered to build a temple to him. One must accept Ahimelech the son of Abiathar as historical unless, indeed, one regards the testimony of Ch to a fact as evidence in disproof of that fact. After the Israelite conquest of Canaan, the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were installed in Shiloh until the Ark was captured by the Philistines (c. 1050 bc) in a battle with the Israelites at Ebenezer (site unknown), and Shiloh was soon thereafter destroyed. 20 But Abiathar, son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub, escaped and fled to join David. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Agreements are important, especially those made before the ALMIGHTY, but thats in the principles section. One possibility is that Jesus is referring to a different person since he says high priest in Mark 2:26, but it does not say high priest in 1 Sam. Abimelech | The amazing name Abimelech: meaning and etymology In the LXX version of 2 Samuel 1:18, where did the bow go? David is realistic in his portrayal of life. Thats not honoring the agreement! After realizing that Saul was out to get him, David fled to Nob to meet Ahimelech, the priest who was presiding over the tabernacle (21:1a). David answered //christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the cost of a lie.htm, Love and Remorse son of Xer, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.6. '(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV), 1 Samuel 21:8David said to Ahimelech, "Isn't there here under your hand spear or sword? The Truth about Isaac and Abimelech God Quest 1 Samuel 21:1 - 22:23 - David: Lying for his life! (1.) 1. How many men went with David in pursuit of the Amalekites? In both stories he also has a senior commander of his forces called Phicol. region: Genesis 20:1 (LEB): And Abraham journeyed from there to the land of the Negev, and he settled between Kadesh and Shur. Tod Twist, 10 Things You Should Know about the Sovereignty of God (3) A Hittite, a companion and friend of David, when he was hiding from Saul in the wilderness (1 Samuel 26:6).Willis J. Beecher, How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the CHAPTER 12. Jesus claims that Abiathar was a high priest when citing a story where 1 Samuel lists Ahimelech as a priest. Davids spy network deceives Absaloms men at En Rogel (2 Samuel 17:20). 23:6, Abiathar is the son of Ahimelech. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV), 1 Chronicles 24:31These likewise cast lots even as their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers' houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother. Here is a comparison of the names in those books where the treatment is inconsistent: As shown, in these books there is one "translation philosophy" which if followed will explain most of the decisions on how a name is to be recorded: Behind the Greek and is the meaning of "My father is king" or "My brother is king." See AHIJAH, 3. This is the name of 5 biblical men; 4 were kings. Abraham answered, When you accept these lambs from me, it will be proof that I dug this well. Abimelech accepted the seven lambs. How might this be Yeshuas testimony as well as Davids in verses 15 to 22? Here he received David when fleeing from Saul, and gave him the showbread and Goliath's sword. The Philistines also broke their agreement with Abraham and Isaac by joining forces with the nations that consulted against the children of Israel in Psalm 83 (see verse 7). LXX was less unified than MT because the LXX Hebrew text is much older. Thus Abraham and Abimelech made an agreement at Beersheba. It was faith that enabled David to cope with the death of his sons. (1 Samuel 30:7) [NETS]. What should we learn from the account of Samson and Delilah? The custom of the shewbread was maintained (1 Samuel 21:6). Since Jesus mentions Abiathar as the "high priest" in Mark 2:26, but Ahimelech is mentioned as the "priest" in 1 Samuel 21:1, it is possible that they were different priests. Ahimelech (Hebrew: mele, "my brother is king"/"brother of a king"),[1] the son of Ahitub and father of Abiathar (1 Samuel 22:2023), but described as the son of Abiathar in 2 Samuel 8:17 and in four places in 1 Chronicles. Evil will overcome the wicked. Promise Renewed ( Genesis 26:1-6) Say: A famine struck the land where Isaac was living. Photo credit: Death of Abimelech, Judges, 1852-60 illustration by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld Bibel in Bildern, The Child That Raised an Army What happened to the Tabernacle in Shiloh? Where does this (supposedly) Gibson quote come from? Son of Ahitub, and brother of Ahiah, whom he succeeded in the high priesthood. Consider the following quote. Saul, however, was an unreasonable man and later slaughtered Ahimelech and all but one of his fellow priests at Nob (22:623). Which one has your name on it? What am I doing wrong here in the PlotLegends specification? He gets the bread. Does Austria celebrate Christmas on the 24th? rev2023.3.3.43278. Since it's just in 1 short book, it was easier to unify one way or the other. (I have my own idea, but again, I'm interested to see other approaches.). The Bible Story of Abimelech - Verses and Summary - Bible Study Tools The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. There was very little food to eat. 4 What happened to the Tabernacle in Shiloh? Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite //maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm, Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath. This sentence was carried into execution by Doeg in a cruel manner (1 Samuel 22:923). Abimelech was the common name for Philistine kings, as was the name "Pharaoh" for Egyptian kings. The point is: Sarah, at age 89, may have looked similar to . And Ahimelech came trembling to meet David, and he said to him, Why are you alone and there are no men with you? 2So David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king charged me with a matter and said to me, No one must know anything about this matter on which I am sending you, with which I have charged you and the servants. So I have arranged to meet with my servants at a certain place. Abraham concurred, but did bring up Abimelechs treatment; Abimelechs servants violently took way wells Abrahams servants had dug. Multi-Version Concordance Ahim'elech (16 Occurrences). In this capacity, later, he shared with David and Zadok in the apportionment of the priests into 24 ancestral classes, 16 of the house of Eleazar, and 8 of the house of Ithamar (1 Chronicles 24). (2.) You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It was a . Show the kindness I (Abimelech) have shown you while youve lived in the land. As reported to King Saul by Doeg the Edomite, Ahimelech gave David five loaves of holy bread, the sword of Goliath, and, though reputed to have consulted God for David by Doeg, this was simply propaganda against the priests of Nob. Abimelech was ason of Gideon,the King of Israel, and his concubine from Shechem. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. The year was 1152 BC, Israel, a confederation of twelve tribes, was losing their leader of forty years. Abimelech pretended not to have known of the occurrences. This is rather plausible in the passage in 2 Samuel 8 and the duplicate of it in 1 Chronicles 18:16, but it has no application in the detailed account in 1 Chronicles 24. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The Bible is a beloved text owned by nearly all Americans. Write your analysis in the comments below! Elimelech is removed from the record just as My God [YHVH] is "removed" as king. ABIMELECH ('father is king' or perhaps 'Melech is father'). The godly, however, will find YHVH to be faithful. Ahimelech. "(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV), 1 Samuel 21:2David said to Ahimelech the priest, "The king has commanded me a business, and has said to me,'Let no man know anything of the business about which I send you, and what I have commanded you; and I have appointed the young men to such and such a place. Abimelech and Phicol spoke with Abraham. NETBible: Abimelech II. Numbers Chapter 1 the Children of Israel Numbered, The Turning of Things Upside Down Introduction, A Careful Review of Abrams journey from Egypt to Land of Canaan, The Fifth Vial Poured Out continued from Revelation 16, The Fifth Vial Pour Out | Matthew 24 and 6th Seal, The Sixth Seal Connected to Matthew 24 Series, Argentina Won the World Cup Now What? There seems to have been some kind of police authority, whereby a person might be "detained" (1 Samuel 21:7). Abraham and Abimelech Genesis 20:1-16 narrates the story of Abraham emigrating to the southern region of Gerar, whose king is named Abimelech. How do you reconcile the good things God promises with the acute suffering experienced by some believers? (Compare 1 Ki. It only says priest. The term high priest occurs 78 times in the Bible, 58 in the NT, 20 in the OT. Through easy-to-understand explanations to common questions, this book examines, story-by-story, the origins and history of the meanings of chapters, verses, and . (1) Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, was a member of the priestly family of *Eli, who served in the Temple of *Nob (i Sam. A priest mentioned in I Chron. Abraham also put seven female lambs in front of Abimelech. . This can be difficult and is fraught with peril, In 1Sam 21:2, MT says "Ahimelech, the priest", and LXX and DSS just say "the priest". Abimelech. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. He was the twelfth High Priest, and officiated at Nob, where he was visited by David (he gave David and his companions five loaves of the showbread) when David fled from Saul (1 Samuel 21:19). However, in the beginning, they had the same turbulent relationship that the leaders attempted to mend. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. In the parallel passage, 2Samuel 8:17, we have the name Ahimelech, and Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech. But Abimelech said, I dont know who did this. Achish or Abimelech? - Ps 34 - Graced Follower Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, in the city of Gerar. Principle: Keeping an oath; covenant, vow, and agreement. 27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant. L. G. 4. 26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day. Can archive.org's Wayback Machine ignore some query terms? There seems to be confusion in the old Testament between the names "Abiathar" and his father "Ahimelech". The purpose is to protect an innocent person. Achimelek -- "brother of a king," an Israelite name, also a. Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath. Robert H. Roe, Pastor. The sins of the tongue are severely denounced in Hebrew ethics. In this account Ahimelech is mentioned three times, and with some detail. "(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV), 1 Samuel 30:7David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Please bring me here the ephod." Of David. NOW he need a weapon 1 Samuel 21:8-9 8 David asked Ahimelech, Dont you have a spear or sword here? (2) A son of Abiathar (2 Samuel 8:17 1 Chronicles 18:16; 1 Chronicles 24:6), and grandson of the above. MT unified it to say Ahimelech, and the LXX Hebrew text had been unified to say Abimelech. It was because Peter was denying the very thing that Jesus came to by Matt Slick | Jan 11, 2023 | Bible Difficulties, Matthew - Mark. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV), 1 Samuel 22:16The king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you, and all your father's house. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It is Boaz who is asuming the role of Mahlon's brother when he marries Ruth. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. 8:17; 15:24, 29, 35; 20:25. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. While it is possible to see these as scribal or manuscript errors, if Elimelech was purposely changed, it seems prudent to consider whether all changes should be viewed in that light. But eventually Abimelech, the king of Gerar, caught Isaac showing Rebekah affection. J source (ch. Lying and slander were deemed by the rabbis as especially hateful to ADONAI. 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. greek - Abimelekh () in the LXX - Biblical Hermeneutics Stack 1:7; 2:22, 26, 27; 4:4. which is not lawful. Using indicator constraint with two variables. Schipper (here) suggests that it is because it is a more common name, but that too seems unrealistic - are there any other instances in the LXX where we see that an uncommon name is replaced with a more common one? 1 Cronica 18 MBBTAG;NIV;NKJV - Mga Tagumpay ni David sa Labanan - Bible (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV), 1 Samuel 22:11Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king. Telling the Truth for Women - Jill Briscoe, Harvest Christian Fellowship - Pastor Mike Finizio, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). RhymeZone: btech rhymes It is a word which represents the hope of all living in post-exilic times: the Davidic Covenant will be fulfilled and David (their "brother) will rule over the kingdom of Israel. Ahimelech | Encyclopedia.com At the command of Saul he slew the high priest Ahimelech (qv) at Nob, together with /d/doeg.htm - 9k, Abimelech (63 Occurrences) 18:16). Ahimelech and Abiathar have been confused by transcribers. Then Abimelech and Phicol, his military commander, went back to the country of the Philistines. Ahimelekh is also changed to Abimelekh in Psalms 51. It is never a common, ordinary, run of the mill angel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2012 - 2018 The Teaching Ministry of Jay Mack 2006-2018 | All Rights Reserved | Powered by, have been victimized by the arrogant. David writes in the style of the wisdom instructor, as in Proverbs 1-9, with his fatherly tone and his stress on the fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom.88 Which of you takes pleasure in living? They were Ephraimites from Bethlehem in Judah. However, the decision to make an exception to the rule can be justified if the translator understood Abimelech as Achish (1 Samuel 21:10-15), the Philistine king who would not meet the criteria of a brother. Daughters of Promise, Truth and Integrity Or we flip over to David and his trouble with his son Absalom or his adultery with Bathsheba. Search Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY Son of Ahitub (1 Samuel 14:3, 18), Ichabod's brother; the same probably asAhimelech, who was high priest at Nob in the reign of Saul (1 Samuel 22:11). Abimelech - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Bible Dictionary - Christianity The two basic themes of this Psalm are thanksgiving and wisdom. However, a translator would also continue to know the original meaning behind each name: The misuse of these names is found in Ruth, 1 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and Psalm 52. Overview For the Lord had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. During his priesthood the tabernacle was at Nob, where Ahimelech dwelt, with many priests. Therefore, it appears that both men shared each others names. They stuffed the wells after the death of Abraham, however, Isaac dug them again. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Unlike Sarah, Rebekah was never taken from her husband. 1. As high priest, Ahimelech would have been informed about what was happening in Saul's household, and how David was being ill-treated. (Deuteronomy 17:15-16 ESV). Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! of This most authorities /a/abimelech.htm - 36k, 1 Samuel 21:1Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. I believe it is important that Jesus refers to Abiathar as the high priest in Mark 2:26, but Ahimelech is called the priest in 1 Sam. Why did Jesus call Peter Satan in Matt. Topical Bible: Abimelech Back to the Bible with Warren Wiersbe. ; 24:3, 6, 31. [If you do,] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceiving talk. "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee" (Genesis 12:3). Required fields are marked *. | GotQuestions.org, How many psalms did David write? He commanded by force, murdered his opposition, and led in such a manner that even his subjects sought to overthrow him. Harvest Christian Fellowship - Pastor Mike Finizio, The Tale of Two Sheiks: Abraham and Abimelech When did Hushai deceive Absalom in the Bible? The OBAR everyday bars are made with minimally processed ingredients, no . Individual and Communal Praise: David begins very personally, I will bless ADONAI at all times; in joy and sorrow, His praise will always be in my mouth. But the face of YHVH opposes those who do evil, to cut off all memory of them from the earth. How blessed are those who take refuge in Him! Abimelech desired him, however, to leave his territory, which Isaac did. What destroys the wicked? Whether the Deuteronomic law for a central sanctuary originated with Moses or not, its provisions were very imperfectly carried out during the times of the Judges. That name is reserved for individuals who served David as sole king of Israel. Jonathan had told David that Saul was plotting to kill him. Elsewhere he is called Ahimelech. The purpose is to protect Ahimelech from knowingly helping a fugitive from the king. In the first, Abimelech is called the "King of Gerar" while later he is called the "King of the Philistines in Gerar". David (/ d e v d /; Hebrew: , Modern: Davd, Tiberian: Dw, "beloved one") was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the third king of the United Kingdom of Israel. It is possible that they were not both the high priest and are different in position. David's untrue words to Abimelech 1 Samuel 21:2. Then the king commanded that he, with the other priests who stood beside him, 86 in all, should be slain with his family. Abimelech then became the King of Shechem, ruling for three years before a conspiracy arose against him. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Who was Abimelech in the Book of Judges? | GotQuestions.org 1 Ki. Who is Abimelech and Abraham? This most authorities consider the more correct reading. In Matthew 1:9, Uzziah is the father of Jotham. Share the article on your favorite social media outlet; help the Word flow out into all nations! Ahimelech, Ahim'elech. (BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV), Ahimelech: A Hittite, and Friend of David, Ahimelech: Also Called Ahia--A High Priest, During the Reign of David: Killed by the Command of Saul, Ahimelech: Gives Shewbread and the Sword of Goliath to David, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 288. Ahimelech asks about the ceremonial purity of Davids men ~ if they are going to eat the holy bread ~ David lies again and swears blind that they are ritually pure. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. 8:17, we have" "the name Ahimelech, and Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech. Why doesnt the LORD intervene? Apart from the king (or kings) of Gerar, the Bible also records this name for: Abimelech, son of Gideon, proclaimed king after the death of his father. The most probable opinion seems to be, that both father and son had two names, the father being also called Abiathar; and this appears almost certain from 2 Sa. Absalom deceives when he begins his conspiracy to become king (2 Samuel 15:7). 26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day. Whenever the phrase: the Angel of the LORD is seen in the TaNaKh, it is always the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. All rights reserved. There are a few other distinctions in these two stories. Why does Jesus call Abiathar the high priest in Mark 2:26, when 1 Samuel 21 indicates it was Ahimelech? It is equally unlikely to be an error in the Greek, because of the magnitude of change (two letters that look nothing alike, rather than only one similar letter in the Hebrew), as well as the above concern of having to harmonize across multiple verses, so it seems intentional. A civil war broke out, leading to a battle at a town called Thebez where Abimelech surrounded the leaders of the city in a tower and approached with the intention of burning it down. In 1Chr 8:16 MT says Abimelech, but LXX says Ahimelech. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. We'll discuss the original Hebrew, plus the words and names Ahimelech is related to, plus the occurences of this name in the Bible. The father of Zadok, who was made high priest by Saul after the extermination . 21:1. Very good question! Thank you for your interest in supporting CARM. After God informs him that Sarah is really Abraham's wife, Abimelech confronts Abraham (20:9-10). When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away. Ex. 1 Samuel 21:10-15.) Since it's just in 1 short book, it was easier to unify one way or the other. As shown below, both and are used, suggesting a translator had a choice between either when addressing the issue inherent to the name Elimelech. What happened to the priest Ahimelech? - Sage-Answer @Alex correct, but see LXX I Chronicles (or Supplements) 24, and you may find. Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, .read more. It is highly unlikely that this is based on a different Hebrew source (as has been suggested a few times, see for example the top of page 240 (really page 2) here), as there would have to have been a harmonization to all of the instances that the name appeared in both books, not to mention that we have no other textual evidence to support such a theory (certainly in Ruth, I haven't checked I Samuel).